Score: Life U 0, Mobile 0
Records: Life U, 4-1-1 (0-0-1 SSAC); Mobile, 3-1-2 (0-0-1)
MARIETTA, Ga. — The No. 9 Life University men's soccer team drew against the visiting Rams of Mobile late Friday night at home to open SSAC play. The Running Eagles once again had to battle the elements, starting the contest over two hours late due to severe thunderstorms earlier in the night.
Both squads traded headers early in the contest as the action got off to a hot start. Life U followed with six shots off three corner kick opportunities but were unable to secure an early lead. The action slowed midway through the half with just two shots being recorded in the final 23 minutes of the first half.
With the score knotted at 0-0 heading into half time, Life U held the lead in shots 8-2. Pawel Wolny was not required to make any saves in the frame while the Rams keeper was needed twice.
Out of the break, the intensity in the contest picked up. Mobile dominated possession early with a new found energy but were unable to generate any offense from the momentum. As the fouls began to pile on for both squads, the contest saw five yellow cards issues in the second half, with the Rams receiving four.
Hunting a late-winner, Life U turned up the offensive pressure in the final 20 minutes. The Running Eagles produced six corner kick chances in the final minutes and fired away on net, but were unable to find the back of the net. The contest concluded 0-0 after 90 minutes.
"Not the result we wanted, and I believe we deserved a bit more tonight," said Head Coach Alex Pama. "The boys played with good intensity and at a high pace, creating 4–5 very good opportunities. We just lacked our usual sharpness in the final third. Credit to Mobile for making it a competitive and difficult conference opener, as we expected. Despite the result, I'm pleased with the overall performance. We've now recorded three consecutive clean sheets and once again did a very good job of limiting the opponent's opportunities. There are lessons for us to take from tonight, and we'll use them to continue improving. Now our focus turns to another tough match on Sunday. Well done to the team and especially the defense."
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Life U out shot the Rams 15-3 and did not allow a single shot on frame the entire game.
--There were 34 fouls in the contest and 5 yellow cards.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Pawel Wolny recorded another clean sheet.
